Shooting in Nairobi Redefined- WWIM16

Shooting in Nairobi Redefined- WWIM16

I first learnt about Instameets in 2015 and was fascinated. At the time I was just getting into photography and would look for every opportunity to shoot. So when the Worldwide Instameet 16 for Nairobi was announced, I didn’t hesitate to attend. And what an experience it was! You may be wondering what is an Instameet? Possibly many definitions exist but mine is: an event where Instagrammers meet to know each other beyond the screen and for a specific purpose. For photographers that purpose is, well, to shoot. After being away from these meets for 2 years, I was elated to attend one this year.

Hello I&M!

Photographer meetups had been organised in Nairobi but the 6am beginning time was a deterrent for me. In fact, I was only able to go for the 2015 one because it was in the afternoon. Last week’s was to start at 4pm so I had no reason to miss. I was still in church at 1pm when the sky started turning grey. I just hoped the rain would have mercy and let us finish shooting first. We were to congregate at the National Archives then proceed to Uhuru Park for the sunset. As it was still early I walked around the CBD before heading to the Archives. Turned out to be a wrong move.

Reminiscing about a sunny Sunday afternoon some months ago…

By the time I arrived I was tired not only from the walking but also the intense sun coupled with humidity. My friend Shalet called me as I was trying to figure out where the group was. Guys were huddled in different clusters and there didn’t seem to be any co-ordination. Already a mood killer for me. Shalet and I chatted a while then walked to Kimathi Street where we were informed other photographers were.

One of the few photos I took of people, featuring the sensei Joe Were (right).

When we got there I was shocked. There was a sea of people with their gear out. They were already actively shooting and there was scarcely space to walk. I have to admit I was a bit intimidated. For someone who doesn’t like crowds, this turnout was overwhelming. Shalet encouraged me to get out my cam which I did after catching my breath. Everyone seemed to be doing portraits. That didn’t appeal to me so I went for something else- citycsapes.

A little monochrome never hurt anybody.

Every couple of moments one of my Insta followers would come to say hi. Shalet commented that I’m such a celeb (I wish). It was great though meeting them in person after a long time. The crowd wasn’t the only surprise. People had come with their own models in full make-up and high-fashion outfits. With props to boot! It seemed I was the only one who didn’t get the memo. Someone even had a softbox! (Insert shocked emoji here). I joked that they had come to make portfolios, and that may very well have been true.

Dominating Wabera Street.

We moved through the streets shooting. While everyone else seemed so engrossed, I just wasn’t feeling up to it for some reason. What an anticlimax. I had looked forward to this yet here I was- bored. Maybe it was the aforementioned crowd? Softboxes and umbrellas? My lack of enthusiasm for portraits which everybody was doing? Someone whom I had invited and didn’t show up? At around half past 6 one of the organisers called out to us from NIC Bank’s rooftop. I went up the 7 or so floors hoping to get something different and maybe enthusiasm.

Allow me to reintroduce myself, I’m Nairobi.

The view was amazing! I haven’t been to any other rooftop in Nairobi apart from the KICC. From this building we enjoyed the panorama stretching from Hilton Hotel to City Hall, with Upperhill area in the distance. Sadly, the sun denied us the light show we were expecting. After taking it all in I got down (literally) to shooting. I had to kneel to get interesting angles. For the long exposure shots I used my camera strap to support the lens so it wouldn’t shake and cause distortion. Anything to get that shot. Don’t let lack of equipment stop you.

Views!

I had my fair share of shots as others got creative with props and doing portraits on the ledge of the roof. People can be so daring! Taking the saying ‘Living life on the edge’ a bit too seriously. Anyway, Nairobi is beautiful by day and even more stunning at night. I could have stayed up there for hours enjoying the scenery. But fatigue was setting in so I went back down to the street.

Nairobae: she’s quite beautiful by night, yes?

Fellow photographers were still shooting. Milking the opportunity for all its worth. Given that shooting in Nairobi comes with hurdles, I couldn’t blame them. Curious to understand more about the dynamics of taking photos in this city? Please read my previous posts hereand here. I hadn’t been to a meetup with such liveliness before. It was amazing.

Mood.

I wrapped up at 7.30pm since I had to begin the long journey home and my head was pounding. I briefly watched a group of skateboarders showing off their prowess before bidding my pal goodbye. All in all, that was one awesome Instameet. With a turnout of more than 300 people and no negative incidents, it was a success. We didn’t make it to Uhuru Park since guys got so immersed in street photography. Next time I’m coming with my props and portraiture-friendly lens too. Hamtanitambua! 🙂